Freedom 36 vs Freedom 42
How do the Freedom 36 and Freedom 42 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Freedom 36 Tillotson Pearson Inc (Freedom Yachts) · 1985 Freedom 42 Tillotson Pearson Inc (Freedom Yachts) · 1987 | Freedom 36 | Freedom 42 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 36.4 ft11.10 m | 42.0 ft12.80 m |
| Waterline length | 30.6 ft9.32 m | 39.5 ft12.04 m |
| Beam | 12.5 ft3.81 m | 13.4 ft4.09 m |
| Draft | 6.0 ft1.83 m | 6.0 ft1.83 m |
| Displacement | 14,370 lb6,518 kg | 24,000 lb10,886 kg |
| Ballast | —— | —— |
| Sail area | 569 ft²52.9 m² | 788 ft²73.2 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 15.40 | 15.15 |
| Displacement / Length | 224 | 174 |
| Comfort ratio | 23.8 | 29.0 |
| Capsize screening | 2.06 | 1.86 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.4 | 8.4 |
Freedom 36 vs Freedom 42: the short version
- The Freedom 42 is the larger boat at 42.0 ft12.80 m LOA versus 36.4 ft11.10 m for the Freedom 36.
- The Freedom 42 is heavier, displacing about 67% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Freedom 36 carries the more powerful rig (15.4 vs 15.2), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Freedom 42 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Freedom 42 rates better for offshore work (1.86 vs 2.06).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.